Kathryn Ohms

VISITATION:

4-7 p.m., Thursday, February 28 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel and from 10-11 a.m., Friday, March 1 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 1300 Mansfield St., Chippewa Falls.

SERVICE:

11 a.m., Friday, March 1 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 1300 Mansfield St., Chippewa Falls.

Kathryn Ann Ohms, 67, of Chippewa Falls, passed away Monday, February 25, 2013 after several years battling with chronic lung disease.

She was born August 17, 1945 in Chippewa Falls to Nilah (Barber) and Wendell Barrows. She graduated from Chippewa Falls High School in 1963. She then went on to pursue a career in the field of nursing, becoming an LPN in 1967.

Kathryn married Thomas Ohms and they resided in Eau Claire. She continued to work as a nurse at Sacred Heart, Luther Hospital and also for a time at The Clairemont Nursing Home. The couple had a family consisting of three daughters. They later divorced and Kathy moved to Chippewa Falls. Shortly thereafter, in her early 30s, she became ill with sarcoidosis of the lung and had to retire from her nursing career. She went on to raise her family and watch her grandchildren and great-grandchild grow.

Her greatest passions in life were her strong faith in God, her church, community, friends and family. With her giving nature and desire to help others, Kathy proudly established a chronic illness support group in the community, where others with chronic illnesses could come together and support one another. She did this very successfully for a number of years.

Kathy also volunteered her time very generously and with passion to the student mentoring program with the Chippewa Falls School District. This meant a great deal to her as well. She also volunteered her time working in the office at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Chippewa Falls, where she was also a member.

She lived a challenged life with her illness, but she loved life. She touched and uplifted everyone she was around and had a kind word to say, always with a smile.

Survivors include her three daughters, Kristine (Todd) Vajgrt of Chippewa Falls, Rebecca
Bertsh and Teresa Ohms both of Eau Claire; grandchildren, Zachary, Nicholas, Ryenn, Chandler, Emma, Isaiah, Kalieb, Jeremiah; and one great-grandchild, Camden.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Gary; and very dear friend, Helen Erickson.

A celebration of Kathryn's life will be at 11 a.m., Friday, March 1 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Chippewa Falls with Rev. Paul Oppedahl officiating. Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Chippewa Falls at a later date.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Thursday at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel and one hour prior to the service Friday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

AFTERSERVICE:

A memorial service for Kathryn A. Ohms was held at 11 a.m., Friday, March 1 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Chippewa Falls. The Rev. Paul Oppedahl officiated and music was provided Barbara Sandford. Interment will be at a later date in Forest Hill Cemetery, Chippewa Falls.